New Zealand mud snails are attacking Kelsey and Valley creeks. These invasive snails are tiny, but they reproduce at anything but a snail's pace, spreading rapidly by cloning, damaging habitat as they spread.

There is no way to control the snails once they're established, but residents can help prevent their spread to other creeks by scrubbing off boots, clothing and gear when leaving any creek or lake.

The arrival of the New Zealand snails and the details of how to keep them in their place are covered in this month's issue of It's Your City, the newsletter for Bellevue residents. The paper also includes articles about:

Expanding the playground at Downtown Park with interactive features designed to accommodate children with disabilities;

A "status quo" budget proposed for 2013-2014;

Narrowing East Link cost-saving ideas; and

Pet etiquette lacking near some schools.

It's Your City is published three times a year. The newsletter is mailed to all residences and businesses in Bellevue.